15A NCAC 05C .0120      MINIMUM DEPTHS

(a)  Minimum required depths of explosive charges detonated in holes below the bottom water within the jurisdiction of this State shall be as follows:

(1)           five pounds or less of trinitrotoluene (TNT) or its equivalent;                   20 feet below the bottom,

(2)           up to 20 pounds of TNT or its equivalent;                                                     40 feet below the bottom,

(3)           up to 30 pounds of TNT or its equivalent;                                                     50 feet below the bottom,

(4)           up to 40 pounds of TNT or its equivalent;                                                     60 feet below the bottom,

(5)           up to 50 pounds of TNT or its equivalent;                                                     70 feet below the bottom.

(b)  Irrespective of the minimum depths specified in Paragraph (a) of this Rule, all operators shall use responsible precautions per 15A NCAC 05C .0126 to ensure charges have been detonated at sufficient depths to prevent the creation of craters.

(c)  These minimum required depths shall not apply to trial charges and charges for determining condition of the weathering layer; provided that such charges are not over five pounds and not fired without permission of the seismic agent.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 113‑391;

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Readopted Eff. August 1, 1982;

Readopted Eff. July 1, 2025.